Pilot Debrief

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORP G36 near Aspen, CO — 2021-07-04

Final reportCEN21FA305
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Date
2021-07-04
Location
Aspen, CO, USA
Aircraft
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORP G36
Registration
N36JJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

While attempting to navigate over mountainous terrain on a cross-country flight, the pilot flew the airplane into a canyon with high mountains. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data indicated that the pilot likely attempted to fly out of the canyon. The airplane impacted trees and rising terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and a postimpact fire. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. The pilot initially requested an instrument flight rules flight plan, which included an instrument departure that the airplane was not equipped to fly. The pilot then requested a visual flight rules departure and provided his own navigation. The investigation could not determine, from the available evidence for this accident, if the pilot was familiar with or prepared to fly visually through the mountain pass.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have accepted IFR clearance instead of VFR.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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